Liquid sampling

ABSTRACT

Sampling of liquids to isolate discrete samples is accomplished by flowing the liquid through an intermittently actuated diverter from which successive samples flow to different collection locations through appropriate distribution means including a distributor arm movable stepwise to discharge into separate collector lines. Timed actuation of the diverter and distributor is provided by electrical relays and related controls.

United States Patent 1191 Blechman 1 1 LIQUID SAMPLING [75] Inventor: Robert M. Blechman, Honey Brook Twp., Chester County, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Pro-Tech, Inc., Malvern, Pa. [22] Filed: Aug. 30, 1971 [211 App]. No.: 175,996

[52] 11.8. C1 73/423 R, 73/424, 141/130 [51] Int. Cl. G01n 1/18, BOld 15/08 [58] Field of Search 73/421 B, 422 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1451 Aug. 14,1973

2,348,806 5/1944 Gillard 1,101,568 6/1914 Roberts... 3,186,434 6/1965 141/184 Hrdina 137/625.l1

Primary ExaminerS. Clement Swisher Attorney-McClure & Millman [5 7] ABSTRACT 11 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures DISTRIBUTION COLLECTION 2,665,585 1 1954 Marcel] etal 13/422 R 2,872,818 2/1959 Johnson 73 421 B 3,282,113 11/1966 Sachnik ..73/422R DIVE R S l O N D E LAY Tl M N G .7

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SHEET 3 OF 3 'IIIIIIIIIIII ROBERT M. BLECHMAN 5r New? A TFUAWEY LIQUID SAMPLING This invention relates to discrete sampling of liquids, as is desirable in stream monitoring, industrial waste control, sewage treatment, and related anti-pollution efforts.

It is customary in sampling of liquids over a pro tracted period of time to take samples at intervals within the period and to group them into a single or composite sample so as to compensate for variations therebetween. However, sometimes deviations in characteristics of a liquid being sampled are of greater interest than are composite or average values, as in instances of floods, spills from sewage or industrial plants, or investigations of diurnal, seasonal, or annual ranges. In such instances, collection of successive individual or discrete samples is desirable.

A primary object of the present inventon is improved discrete sampling of liquids.

Another object is sequencing of diversion and distribution of liquid samples.

A further object is provision of sampling apparatus, including electrical controls, for accomplishing the foregoing objects.

Other objects of this invention, together with means and methods for attaining the various objects, will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying diagrams of an embodiment of the invention by way of example rather than limitation.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of process aspects or steps of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram, largely in block form, of apparatus components of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified front elevation, partly cut away, of a unit of equipment embodying such apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation of part of the apparatus of FIG. 3, taken at IV-IV thereon;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional elevation of another portion of the apparatus of FIG. 3, taken at V-V thereon;

FIG. 6 is a plan view, partly in section, taken at VI-VI on FIG. 3; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of electrical components of the apparatus.

In general, the objects of this invention are accomplished, in discrete sampling of liquids, by the steps of flowing liquid to be sampled past a diversion locus, intermittently diverting liquid therefrom into a distribution path, and terminating the distribution path at a succession of collection locations upon successive diversions of liquid into the path.

FIG. 1 indicates TIMING of the DIVERSION of liquid to be sampled at intervals and subsequent DISTRI- BUTION of the samples for COLLECTION separately in a region subject to TEMPerature CONTROL. IN- DEXING of the distribution to allocate successive samples to individual collection locations within the region is timed similarly frequently but after a delay sufficient to ensure completion of individual sample flow, as is explained more fully hereinafter.

FIG. 2 shows schematically that liquid from body I0 thereof to be sampled may be forced by a submerged PUMP through intake line 11 to a DIVERTER, which from time to time diverts samples into line 12 to a DIS- TRIBUTOR. The distributor allocates successive samples to individual collection vessels or COLLECTORS via lines 13a to 13f, etc. (only six lines being illustrated). The collection locations are in the cooled region of aREFRIGERATOR (outlined in broken lines). During the intervals between diversion of samples the pumped liquid runs from the distributor back to the body of liquid through return line 15.

FIG. 3 shows, in front elevation, a unit of equipment embodying the apparatus components of FIG. 2. Cabinet 21 is shown with door 22, which is hinged at the left and provided with handle 23 at the right, partly cut away to reveal the interior. Liquid intake line 11 and return line 15 are visible above and below cylindrical diverter chamber 25 to which they connect. The lower part of the cabinet is occupied by refrigerator 27, which as handle 28 at the left on door 29. Bracket 30 mounted on top of the refrigerator carries a number (e.g., two dozen) of receiving chambers 31a, 31b, etc., many of which are hidden behind the door or behind visible chambers. (The receiving chamber to the right of 31a is superimposed in phantom upon other components to avoid obscuring them.) As shown more clearly in a later view (FIG. 6) the receiving chambers are arranged in a ring equidistant from rotatable distributor head 33 supported centrally above the bracket on the shaft of indexing motor 35 mounted underneath. The distributor head receives the end of sample line 12 in its open top and carries spigot arm 37 at its side. At the under side of the spigot arm and near its outer end is discharge opening 38, shown positioned over the open top end of receiving chamber 13b. Collection lines 13a, 13b, etc., (only a few of which are shown, in the interest of clarity) run from the bottoms of the respective receiving chambers into the top left corner of the refrigerator, where individual collection vessels (not visible here) are located, as shown in a later view (FIG. 5). Behind the illustrated components is a control panel, which supports electrical components, but this view is insufficiently detailed to show them; they appear schematically in a later view (FIG. 7).

FIG. 4 shows in axial vertical section, taken in the front-to-rear direction, cylindrical diverter chamber 25 and attached elements. Flexible diverter tube 42 depends from interconnection to intake line 11 at the top to terminate midway of the vertical extent of the chamber, normally to the left (nearer the front) of upstanding baffle 45, which divides the lower portion of the chamber into two parts. Return line 15 draws from the left (front) part, while sample line 12 drawns from the right (rear) part. Collar 47 about the lower end of the diverter tube is pivoted to rod 48, which connects it to the armature of solenoid 49 mounted outside the diviter. Shown in borken lines is the diverted position of the tube over the sample drain when the solenoid is actuated to divert it and the liquid flowing therethrough.

FIG. 5 shows a fragmentary vertical section taken parallel to that of the preceding view but at a lower level and facing to the left in FIG. 3, including part of the upper left corner of refrigerator 27 and representative receiving chamber 31b and adjacent elements. The receiving chamber has funnel-shaped cap 51b with depending shoulder fitting into hollow cylindrical body 52b, which has funnel-shaped bored plug 53b at the bottom with a shoulder fitting upward into the body. Sample collection tube 13b fits at its top into the bore of the plug, and extends through-the top of the-refrigerator, which is bored to receive it, and then terminates at its lower end above the open top end of test-tube-like collection vessel 56b, which is one of a plurality of like vessels retained in tray 57. The tray is supported removably along its side edges on horizontal flanges of bracket 58 depending upon the top inner wall or ceiling of the refrigerator, to which it is attached by suitable means (not shown). The respective vessels are removable upward from the tray after its removal horizontally from the refrigerator through door 29 at the front. It will be apparent that much of the rest of the refrigerator interior (not shown) is not occupied by the tray of collection vessels; it is available for cooling additional trays of vessels, both before and after filling. No attempt is made in this view to show adjacent receiving chambers, and collection tubes 13c to 13f (shown above collection receptacles 560 to 56f in tray 57) are broken away above the top of the refrigerator to avoid cluttering the view unnecessarily. The arrangement of the receiving chambers in a ring is apparent in the next view.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan of the apparatus looking down at the level of the open top of rotatable distributor head 33, which is dished and has opening 63 at one side of the bottom leading to spigot arm 37. The other end of the spigot arm has opening 38 (broken lines) in its under side, positioned over the open cap of receiving chamber 31b. As shown, the respective receiving chambers (of which 31a to 31fare visible) are arranged in a ring on bracket 30 (shown fragmentarily), which rests on refrigerator 27 (only partly visible) of which door handle 28 also appears. It will be understood that additional receiving chambers (not shown) are spaced similarly to complete the entire ring, also that each such chamber has a collection tube extending thereunder and through the refrigerator top to terminate above a corresponding individual collection vessel, the collection tubes and vessels not appearing in this view. The entire spigot assembly is rotated by indexing motor thereunder (FIG. 3).

FIG. 7 shows schematically the associated electrical components of this embodiment and their interconnection to effect the desired operation. Connections to an electrical power source (e.g., 120v, 60 Hz line) are indicated at terminals a,c as at the lower left and elsewhere in the diamgram. Presence of electrical potential by closure of double-pole, single-throw (DPST) main switch S, is indicated by lighting of pilot light P. Fuse F protects against overloading. When the main switch is in the ON position, power is supplied to motor M, which rotates cam C through mechanical interconnection thereto. Although only a single-point cam is shown, there may be more than one cam, and cams with more than one point per revolution, selectable at will. Some cam is rotated to close switch S periodically at a corresponding rate. Thus, as outlined .in borken lines and so designated, a pulse generator (PULSE GEN.) is formed by M,, C, and 8,. Each closing of the switch provides a pulse to HOLDING RELAY RL,, with effects to be considered shortly. Provision is made for utilizing, instead, pulses from an alternative external source (at EXTL. PULSE contacts) via DPDT switch 8,, as in flow-proportional and other irregular timing, the other or internal position of the switch merely completing one power lead. The relay can be triggered also by manual depression of TEST switch S The pulses, from whatever source, pass to the relay throughSTEPPING SWITCH S, and normally closed (NC) contacts of the stepping switch RESET switch S The reset switch also has normally open (NO) contacts between the line power source and solenoid coil L,

whose armature is mechanically interconnected (broken lines) to the stepping switch. The stepping switch is closed (as shown) throughout transmission ofa given number, n (e.g., two dozen), of successive pulses and is then opened upon the n' pulsing of its solenoid coil L The stepping switch conveniently is of rotary type,

advancing as it is pulsed to successive positions in each of which it is held against resetting spring bias by a sort of escapement mechanism, which is releasable to reset it to the original position. The stepping switch is pulsed upon each closing of normally open contacts K, of the holding relay. The closed period of contacts K, (and K mentioned below) is determined by the setting of HOLD ADJUST resistor R, of the relay. (Like that of the stepping switch, the internal structure of the relay is not shown but is conventional; suitable designs therefor will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art.) In the absence of such pulses the holding relay may be actuated manually by momentarily depressing TEST switch S as mentioned above.

Closing of normally open contacts K, of the holding relay also furnishes line power to COUNTER solenoid coil L and to solenoid coil L of DIVERTER 25 through connecting rod 48 already described. This occurs whether intervening DPDT switch S is in its normal or DISCRETE position or in its alternative or COMPOSITE position because of pair of contacts, one on each side of the switch, are tied together to complete such circuit. However, in the latter position, the closing of normally open contacts K of the holding relay to actuate DELAY RELAY RL (also of conventional design) is nullified. In such instance the normally resulting delayed closing of NO contacts K of the latter relay to actuate DISTRIBUTOR head 33 would not occur, as the equipment would be operating in a composite, rather than discrete, mode.

In the normal position of switch S (i.e., the discrete mode of operation) the closing of contacts K furnishes line power to bridge rectifier BR, whose output drives INDEX motor M As indicated in borken lines, this motor is connected mechanically to index the DIS- TRIBUTOR head from the existing position thereof to the next in sequence, thereby moving the outlet end of the spigot arm 37 from a position over a particular collection receptacle to a position over the next one (FIG. 6) in its circular path.

No attempt is made in FIG. 7 to illustrate electrical components or elements involved in actuation of pump, refrigerator, or auxiliary heating equipment, which are only peripheral to this invention.

Operation of the apparatus of this invention in dis crete sampling of liquids is readily understood in the light of the foregoing description. Each input pulse first effects actuation of the diverter tube and, thus, diversion of a sample of the liquid circulating through the diverter from the body of liquid being sampled. The sample volume depends upon the holding relay hold period determined by the hold adjust resistor setting. Of course, upon release of the holding relay the diverter tube returns to its original recirculation or waste position. The diverted sample flows through the sample tube, into the distributor head, through the spigot tube, into the receiving chamber over which the outlet end of the spigot tube is positioned, through the collection tube leading from that receiving chamber, and from the tube into the collection vessel underneath that tube outlet within the refrigerator. After a sufficient delay time that the sample has finished its run the delay relay effects indexing of the distributor head to position the spigot arm outlet end over the next receiving chamber.

Each such pulse advances the impulse counter by one position. After whatever given number the stepping switch will accommodate, which corresponds to the number of receiving chambers and collection vessels, the stepping switch opens, thereby discontinuing further actuation of the relays and, thus, halting the sampling, until the stepping switch is reset. Of course, the tray of collection vessles containing samples should be replaced with an empty one before resetting or a new series of samples would be mixed in with the existing samples, possibly overflowing onto the refrigerator floor. As already mentioned, if a composite sample is desired, the mode of operation can be switched from discrete to composite, whereupon successive samples will flow through a single collection path into (preferably) a large container positioned below the (now empty) tray bracket in the refrigerator. Counting will continue, as will stepping of the stepping switch, whereupon the number of contributions to the composite sample is limited in like manner as the number of individual samples when operating in the discrete mode, as is desirable to prevent overflow of the composite collection vessel.

Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been described and illustrated, modifications may be made therein, as by adding, combining, or subdividing parts or steps, or by substituting equivalents, while retaining advantages and benefits of the invention, some of which have been mentioned above and other of which also will accrue to those undetaking to practice it. The invention itself is defined in the following claims.

The claimed invention is:

1. In a liquid-sampling apparatus, structural provision for operating in a discrete sample mode and convertibly in a composite sample mode, comprising means for flowing liquid to be sampled past means for diverting samples of liquid therefrom, means for actuating the diverting means intermittently to effect diversion of liquid samples thereby, and means for distributing the diverted liquid samples to a multiplicity of collection locations in succession when operating in a discrete sample mode and to a single collection location when operating in a composite mode, the distributing means comprising a radial tube having an inlet at a central locus and having an outlet arcuately movable to a multiplicity of positions on the periphery of a circle about the central locus, and a multiplicity of conduits having their respective inlets arranged about the periphery of the circle underneath the positions of the outlet of the radial tube and having their respective outlets terminating above corresponding but rectilinearly arranged collection locations.

2. ln liquid-sampling apparatus, wherein successive samples of liquid are diverted from a body thereof, the improvement in means for distributing and collecting the samples individually comprising a multiplicity of conduits leading from successive locations on the periphery of a horizontal circle to corresponding but differently arranged collection locations therebelow, a radial tube located above the conduits and leading from a locus above the center of the circle to the periphery thereof and movable to position its peripheral end successively over the respective conduits, and removable means for supporting a multiplicity of collection vessels more closely spaced to one another than are the locations on such circle.

3. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 2, including a refrigerating enclosure surrounding the removable supporting means and having an interior enough larger to accommodate spare supporting means and a multiplicity of collectqon vessles.

4. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 2, including openable closure means for providing lateral access to the supporting means and enabling its removal with collection vessels therein.

5. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the collection vessels are rank and file arrangement in the form of bottles having an access opening at the top, and the supporting means is in the form of a racklike tray.

6. In liquid-sampling apparatus for collecting successive samples of liquid diverted from a body thereof, the improvement in means for distributing and collecting the samples comprising means for diverting samples of liquid therefrom, means for actuting the diverting means intermittently to effect diversion of a succession of samples, means for distributing such succession of samples to a plurality of collection locations, in succession, the distributing means including a plurality of conduits having intake ends arranged circularly and outlet ends arranged rectilinearly in plan.

'7. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wehrein the collection locations are arranged in rank and file configuration.

8. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 1, including a movable distribution arm having an intake end at a relatively fixed central location and a radially disposed outlet end adapted to move circularly into communication with successive intake ends of the distributing conduits.

9. Liquid-sampling apparatus accoridng to claim 8, including a plurality of removable collection vessels having access openings for arrangement in communication with the outlet ends of the distrubuting conduits.

l0. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the outlet end of the distribution arm is above the intake ends of the distributing conduits, and the outlet ends of the distributing conduits are above the access openings of the collection vessels.

1 l. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the diverting means has an outlet located above and in communcation with the intake end of the distributing conduit. 

1. In a liquid-sampling apparatus, structural provision for operating in a discrete sample mode and convertibly in a composite sample mode, comprising means for flowing liquid to be sampled past means for diverting samples of liquid therefrom, means for actuating the diverting means intermittently to effect diversion of liquid samples thereby, and means for distributing the diverted liquid samples to a multiplicity of collection locations in succession when operating in a discrete sample mode and to a single collection location when operating in a composite mode, the distributing means comprising a radial tube having an inlet at a central locus and having an outlet arcuately movable to a multiplicity of positions on the periphery of a circle about the central locus, and a multiplicity of conduits having their respective inlets arranged about the periphery of the circle underneath the positions of the outlet of the radial tube and having their respective outlets terminating above corresponding but rectilinearly arranged collection locations.
 2. In liquid-sampling apparatus, wherein successive samples of liquid are diverted from a body thereof, the improvement in means for distributing and collecting the samples individually comprising a multiplicity of conduits leading from successive locations on the periphery of a horizontal circle to corresponding but differently arranged collection locations therebelow, a radial tube located above the conduits and leading from a locus above the center of the circle to the periphery thereof and movable to position its peripheral end successively over the respective conduits, and removable means for supporting a multiplicity of collection vessels more closely spaced to one another than are the locations on such circle.
 3. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 2, including a refrigerating enclosure surrounding the removable supporting means and having an interior enough larger to accommodate spare supporting means and a multiplicity of collectqon vessles.
 4. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 2, including openable closure means for providing lateral access to the supporting means and enabling its removal with collection vessels therein.
 5. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the collection vessels are rank and file arrangement in the form of bottles having an access opening at the top, and the supporting means is in the form of a racklike tray.
 6. In liquid-sampling apparatus for collecting successive samples of liquid diverted from a body thereof, the improvement in means for distributing and collecting the samples comprising means for diverting samples of liquid therefrom, means for actuting the diverting means intermittently to effect diversion of a succession of samples, meanS for distributing such succession of samples to a plurality of collection locations, in succession, the distributing means including a plurality of conduits having intake ends arranged circularly and outlet ends arranged rectilinearly in plan.
 7. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wehrein the collection locations are arranged in rank and file configuration.
 8. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 1, including a movable distribution arm having an intake end at a relatively fixed central location and a radially disposed outlet end adapted to move circularly into communication with successive intake ends of the distributing conduits.
 9. Liquid-sampling apparatus accoridng to claim 8, including a plurality of removable collection vessels having access openings for arrangement in communication with the outlet ends of the distrubuting conduits.
 10. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the outlet end of the distribution arm is above the intake ends of the distributing conduits, and the outlet ends of the distributing conduits are above the access openings of the collection vessels.
 11. Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the diverting means has an outlet located above and in communcation with the intake end of the distributing conduit. 